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Chemical Name: Trifluoromethanesulfonic Acid
Common Names: Triflic acid, Trifluoromethanesulphonic acid
Chemical Formula: CF3SO3H
Appearance: Colorless to slightly yellow liquid
Odor: Pungent, sour, similar to sulfur dioxide
Molecular Weight: 150.08 g/mol
Uses: Strong acid catalyst in organic synthesis and laboratory research; known for non-oxidizing superacid properties
Hazard Class: Corrosive to metals and tissue
Main Dangers: Severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract | Intensive irritation and corrosion possible on contact
Acute Effects: Rapid tissue destruction | Serious risk if inhaled, ingested, or upon skin contact
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure could scar or damage respiratory tract, impair vision, and burn through protective gear
GHS Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Pictograms: Corrosive (GHS05), Health Hazard (GHS08)
Special Note: Exposure limits are strict due to potential for deep tissue injuries and high reactivity
Main Ingredient: Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (purity typically exceeds 95%)
CAS Number: 1493-13-6
Impurities: May contain trace moisture and decomposition products (sulfur oxides, hydrogen fluoride)
Inhalation: Move to fresh air as fast as possible | Seek medical attention without delay | Respiratory arrest: give artificial respiration if trained
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and immediately flush skin with copious running water for at least 15 minutes | Neutralizing agent not recommended
Eye Contact: Wash eyes for 15 minutes minimum with water, lifting eyelids constantly | Prompt medical attention critical since irreversible damage can occur fast
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting | Rinse mouth thoroughly if conscious, drink water only if medical help is imminent
Advice for Rescuers: Use full protective gear; highly dangerous even in small exposures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical, alcohol-resistant foam for small fires | Water mist may help control vapors but could spread chemical
Hazardous Combustion Products: Gives off toxic fumes | Hydrogen fluoride, carbon oxides, sulfur oxides form on combustion
Special Protective Equipment: Chemical splash suit, positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus recommended for all responders
Specific Hazards: Fumes are extremely corrosive and toxic | Containers may rupture violently under fire
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area and restrict traffic | Put on chemical-resistant clothing, eye protection, and respiratory mask before reentry
Spill Cleanup: Neutralization is dangerous; avoid using strong bases due to violent reaction | Absorb on inert material such as dry sand or diatomaceous earth | Shovel up and place in suitable chemical waste container
Ventilation: Maximize airflow to prevent toxic vapor buildup
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so | Avoid entry into drains, watercourses, and soil
Handling: Use in a chemical fume hood with local exhaust ventilation | Double-check PPE before transferring | Always add acid to water, never water to acid
Storage: Store in tightly closed, chemically resistant containers in a cool, dry, ventilated acid storage area | Keep away from bases, oxidizing agents, metals, moisture, and combustibles
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, reducing agents, organic materials, alkali metals, water
Engineering Controls: Always work under fume hood equipped with acid scrubbers
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, neoprene or nitrile gloves, full-body acid-resistant suit, rubber boots, face shield, respirator with acid vapor cartridge
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and forearms after handling | Keep work clothes separate from street clothes
Exposure Limits: Strict national guidelines exist for acid mists; monitoring recommended to avoid overexposure
Appearance: Transparent, colorless to pale yellow fuming liquid
Odor Threshold: Intensely pungent, irritant fumes
Melting Point: -40 °C
Boiling Point: Approximately 162 °C
Density: About 1.7 g/cm³ at 25 °C
Solubility: Miscible with water (forms corrosive, exothermic solution), miscible with a range of polar organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
pH: <1 (strong acid)
Corrosivity: Attacks almost all metals (except gold, platinum); reacts with glass, stone, and ceramics on long exposure
Reactivity: Extreme chemical activity; reacts violently with bases, water, organics
Chemical Stability: Stable in original closed containers away from heat, moisture, and contaminants
Hazardous Reactions: Explosive hydrogen gas forms with metals; violent heat and fumes with bases, may attack glassware slowly over time
Decomposition Products: Toxic fluorinated and sulfur compounds
Polymerization: Not known to occur
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Severe chemical burns, pulmonary edema, intense pain and destruction of mucus membranes, conjunctivitis, corneal opacity
Delayed Effects: Scar formation, loss of function in affected organs or tissues
Carcinogenic Status: Not classified as carcinogenic, but repeated exposure raises risks of respiratory and skin conditions
Other Effects: Systemic toxicity rare but possible if large areas become exposed
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms even at low concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable; remains persistent in environments due to fluoro-organic structure
Bioaccumulation Potential: Triflic acid does not easily bioaccumulate but its breakdown products may cause long-lasting harm
Toxicity to Soil: Acidifies soil, disrupts microbial life and plant growth
Waste Treatment: Diluting and neutralizing is unsafe on site for most labs or workplaces | Transfer to secure container and contract with certified hazardous waste company for incineration or chemical treatment
Packing Methods: Use tightly sealed acid-resistant drums clearly labeled with hazard statements
Legal Mandates: Strict adherence to hazardous waste protocols by local, regional, and state regulations
UN Number: Classified as a dangerous good for all modes of transport
Transport Hazard Class: Corrosive substances (UN3265 or similar, depending on jurisdiction)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Corrosive stickers required on every container and transport vehicle
Special Considerations: Never transport with strong bases, oxidizers, or flammable materials
Regulation: Covered by strict chemical safety rules, including Occupation Safety and Health, environmental protection, international transport conventions
Labeling Requirements: Corrosive pictogram, acid warning, hazard statements for health and environmental harms | Full chemical name required
Worker Protections: Employer must provide training, PPE, and emergency procedures for any employee working with or near this acid
